Daily rantings of a man dealing with cancer and life in general, advice and encouragement in staying positive, gaining respect and being remembered as being a good person who brought happiness to others. Big Hugs. XXX

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

Bombshell

For those of you who get this by email it is automatically sent from the blog and is not directly from me, I do see your responses though, they are sent through to me by Email.

If you require blog updates sending to you via email just mail me and let me know.

The Bombshell.

Right, we visited 'The Chrisie' on Monday, expecting to be told when I would be getting my chemo and by what method, pill, needle etc. Instead we were informed that chemo would be carried out but no radiotherapy and due to the cancer having spread to the back of my stomach / spine area, that is in addition to the colon and liver, I am inoperable. So they will not be removing the cancers, just trying to control them.

To cut a long story short, outside of chemotherapy, there is nothing left at this time. They will look to see how things are going after 3 months when I get re-scanned to see if the chemo is working.

I felt really sorry for Norma and the Doctor, they were really taking it badly, I do not know if it was just me but I seemed to handle it well, nothing much you can do is there.

After a while and a couple of tests I spoke with Norma just to make sure that she understood what was going on, we had to have a word with the Doctor so to make sure that Norma understood that I now have terminal cancer, only a miracle can change that.

The chemo may shrink the tumours, you never know they may even disappear. Who knows.

I asked the Doctor a few questions, about how long someone in my position may expect to live and to be honest the Doctor was true to his word, he is not in the habit of guessing or making noises, he said some people last a year, a few 10 years but there are no sure fire ways of telling.

He did say that I was relatively young and healthy, so we expect me to put up a good fight.

Today, Tuesday, I went into work, those who know about my news treated me like I need to be treated, with little change and little fuss.

I am going to encourage all to read this blog, so you know what to do, when you meet up with me. Do not feel embarrassed, do not feel sad, lets enjoy life. I may in the future have rough times, help me out then and keep my spirits up, if my work is getting on top of me, do not be afraid to ask 'do you need a hand', if I manage you just give me your best and make my life easier.

I am due my new front tooth on Friday, something to look forward to. LOL, cant wait to look in the mirror with it out, gorgeous.

My Chemo starts next Monday, at 8:30 I go into the Central Line Unit to have a line inserted into my chest.

I then have another bed booked for about 11:00 ish to have my chemo treatment, I get two types, Oh lucky me.

The way my treatment goes is like this.

My doctor has prescribed a course of treatment with Oxaliplatin and 5FU.

Day 1. Oxaliplatin with Folic Acid by drip for 2 hours followed by 5FU quick infusion over 15 minutes, followed by 5FU as a slow infusion over 46 hours (at home) via pump through a central venous cathether.

Day 3. District nurse home visit to take pump off and flush line.

Day 15. Repeat of day 1 and start the next cycle of treatment.

This treatment is repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 12 cycles.

Routine blood test before the start of each cycle of treatment.

There is a chance of serious or possible life-threatening side effects. Which I have to report any side effects straight away. The list of side effects is to long for me to add, my fingers would be worn down to stubs.

At this time I hope this answers every ones questions, possibly best to mail me at the moment rather than call as we are more than likely to have the ringers turned off. Again if you see me, just try to be normal.Traa dy liooar.

just read your blogs, i can only say for what its worth my thoughts are with both you and Norma, i am sure knowing your personality you are taking each day battling it and challenging it and coping with it ... as best you can .. keep us posted when you can, love to you both x x x Jo Solway x x